FORT WORTH - In the world of coaching, there is never an offseason. In a concerted effort to learn and soak in all things soccer, TCU Assistant coach Ryan Higginbotham traveled to London along with Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter for an eight-day excursion.

In a trip that would be the envy of any soccer fan, Higginbotham and Porter had unparalleled access to the inner-workings of some of the most popular Premier League teams.

"I really enjoyed the trip over to London to watch training and games of Premier League teams," said Higginbotham. "We were able to meet and speak with the first team managers and academy directors. I look forward to implementing the insights and knowledge gained into our program here at TCU."

Higginbotham's week-long trip abroad saw him observe training sessions at several top clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, as well as opportunities to take in several Premier League clashes. Higginbotham was able to see the Chelsea first team and U-21s train the last few days, and watched the Tottenham first team Friday with West Ham on tap Saturday.

He traveled to watch Crystal Palace versus Aston Villa, and was in attendance in the adidas box at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea defeated Tottenham, 3-0. Finally, Higginbotham and Porter took in Palace at Tottenham and Swansea at West Ham.